AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., Sept. 4 applauded Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) for introducing the Next Generation Research Act (S.2014), legislation intended to support the “next generation” of researchers and young scientists supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In his letter, Dr. Kirch thanked Sens. Baldwin and Collins for introducing this legislation, and noted the “legislation is an essential step in helping ensure this nation will have a well-trained, diverse medical research workforce, and the association is pleased to endorse it.”
Among its provisions, the bill:
- Authorizes the creation of an NIH initiative to coordinate polices aimed at promoting new researchers;
- Strives to implement recommendations by the NIH Office of Extramural Research to improve mentorship opportunities for new researchers and expand workforce diversity efforts, for example; and
- Directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study evaluating barriers to biomedical research careers for early-stage scientists and new investigators.
Additionally, AAMC Chief Scientific Officer Ann Bonham, Ph.D., stated, “Enhancing our nation’s investment in science is essential to remain competitive in the innovation-based global economy and to deliver on the hope of healthier lives for all Americans.” She added that the bill recognizes “a critical element of that investment is enabling the brightest young minds to contribute to the advancement of science.”
Sen. Baldwin first introduced the bill in the 113th Congress. There is also a House companion, H.R. 3466, introduced Sept. 9 by Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.).